*We heard about this on the Wall Street Journal and Japan Trends blogs, and it was too good not to share. Here you go!
I have heard many stories from friends who were amazed by the amount of vending machines they saw while travelling in Japan. The country definitely has a love affair with the machines that can sprout pop, snacks, and other items for purchase 24/7. It has the highest amount of vending machines per capita in the world – one for every 23 people.
The Japanese Red Cross and Coca-Cola are utilizing Japan’s love of vending machines to help make a difference. They recently teamed up to create a vending machine that not only sells beverages to quench thirst but collects donations to help those in need at the same time.
After purchasing their drink of choice, customers can simply choose to donate their left over change to the Red Cross. (If customers aren't thirsty, they have the option to just drop some coins into the machine.) Donations can be made in ¥10 or ¥100 increments. After making a donation, a recorded message is played thanking the customer for their support. Watch the video below to see how it works!
The machines will be available until Sept. 30. All funds go to support Japanese Red Cross recovery efforts following last March’s devastating earthquake and tsunami.
Click here for the latest information on earthquake recovery efforts in Japan.